JIMMY ODOKI ACELLAM
The number two of the National Resistance Movement Ten-Point Program, upon taking power in 1986 reads: “NRM pledges to restore security of person and property to all Ugandans.” A month ago, video clips of daring robberies and attacks on some individuals possessing large sums of money and other valuable stuff were captured on CCTV cameras, along Ben Kiwanuka Street, Kiwafu zone in Kansanga, Kabalagala, etc. They were shared on social media platforms and went viral, triggering fear among people in Kampala metropolitan.
In some of the footage, the criminals are seen throwing flying kicks in a professional manner on the faces of their victims, thereby disorienting them before they are robbed off their valuables such as; laptops, phones and stacks of money. In a couple of instances, groups of boda-boda motorcycle riders involved in the attacks and robberies shield an accomplice,making it difficult for passersby to help victims.
Most of the robberies and attacks appeared to be well organized, thus creating fear and panic among city dwellers because of a possible racket targeting individuals. It was no longer safe to move or stay out late in the evening, risky to carry large sum of money, and transactions at ATMs, banks, and mobile money agents, involving potentially huge amounts of money.
Also, carrying expensive gadgets, jewelry and laptops became risky. Jogging and taking walks, pastime for some people in the city suburbs became nearly impossible as the talk about facing flying kicks became widespread. The manner in which most crimes are committed points to some level of sophistication, coordination, and organization. These are not the usual petty thieves the people in the metropolitan have known for a long time.
Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga in a weekly press briefing explained that 500 suspects had been apprehended, including youngsters aged 18 and under. They are inspired to learn the professional flying kicks and violent tactics viewed in the CCTV footage from stuff they watch in movies. Due to concerns raised by the public using different forums and the media coverage, the Police responded by activating a special purpose taskforce, akin to the code-named Operation Wembley, led by Col. Elly Kayanja in 2002 that rid the city of robbers and murderers to help ameliorate the current situation. Fighting the new wave of criminality requires collaborative effort, and vigilance, the Police Spokesperson emphasized.
The high level of unemployment in the capital city and the country is responsible for the increase in the rate of crimes being committed. The youth and youngsters who don’t have jobs find themselves involved in criminality as a means of survival. The able-bodied but jobless youngsters are sometimes indoctrinated by individuals who take advantage of their vulnerability to exploit them. Many are school dropouts, others without any form of education. The government should invest more in youth livelihood, vocational programs and sports activities to avert a catastrophic situation in the future.
There should be a deliberate effort to reduce the high level of income inequality and wealth distribution in the country.
The stark contrast between haves and have-nots gradually leads to the violent crimes being witnessed in Kampala. However, the Deputy Spokesperson
of Kampala Metropolitan, Luke Oweyesigyire while discussing tackling criminal gangs in the city, gave assurance that the situation is
under control. Normalcy has apparently been restored and people have been urged to go about their businesses as usual but to also
remember to be their brother’s keeper.
